Kit Of Pre-Construction Samples For Replicating Construction Products

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a pre-construction sample that is made of a flexible material and has a product image corresponding to an actual construction product. The pre-construction sample is preferably at least 18 inches in one dimension. The pre-construction sample is preferably produced by a printing process having at least 200 dpi, and more preferably 300 dpi. Kits of pre-construction samples are provided to assist the consumer choosing from among various construction products, such as flooring, decking, countertops, cabinets, windows, shingles, among others.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/605,116,filed Oct. 23, 2009, and entitled “Kit Of Pre-Construction Samples ForReplicating Construction Products,” also claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/236,015, filed Aug. 21, 2009, andentitled “Kit Of Flexible Samples For Replicating ConstructionProducts”, both of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patentfiles or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to large-scale, lightweightpre-construction samples that replicate construction products to permitconsumers to more easily choose from a variety of alternatives for acertain construction product, such as cabinets, countertops, andflooring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For consumers, when purchasing a new home or when conducting renovationsto an existing home, the ideas and products used to decorate the desiredlocations can often be very difficult to imagine. Currently,manufacturers of remodeling and construction products will typicallyonly provide a small piece of that product for the consumer to evaluate,with the idea being that the consumer will be able to imagine what theentire finished project will look like with the small piece of product.Examples of such small samples include a small square (perhaps 4 inchesby 4 inches) of granite to be used on a countertop, a 2 inch by 2 inchsquare of a laminate countertop (e.g. Formica®), a few small planks of awood flooring, a few sample pieces of a tile, or a sample piece of woodthat is used for the cabinet.

It is not uncommon to see consumers carrying around these small samplesas they shop for other related products. Consumers commonly carry a door(or doors) of cabinetry as they shop for a granite countertop or newflooring, or carry several pieces of tile to the cabinet shop, etc. Notonly are these samples difficult to tote around, by many of them can bevery heavy (e.g. samples of granite or tile). More importantly, theproblem is that most people simply cannot visualize how the finalend-product will look in their kitchens or bathrooms (or elsewherearound the home) with these small samples.

When remodeling, the options for the various construction products (e.g.cabinets, flooring, countertops) can be mind-boggling and there areoften a large number of products that will change during the remodelingprocess. If a consumer has conducted their shopping and finally limitedtheir selections to just three alternatives for cabinets, threealternatives for floors, and three alternatives for countertops, thenthat consumer still has 27 different combinations to evaluate. Trying tofigure out what looks best with what can be very difficult,time-consuming, and stressful, leaving many consumers with buyer'sremorse after the project is completed. When such a monetary investmentis made in this type of project, the consumer must live with what waspurchased, like it or not. Again, one primary reason for these problemsis due to the fact that current product samples of flooring, cabinetry,counters, backsplashes, etc. are often way too small to compare to theexisting home's floor, cabinets, and countertops, which leaves too muchfor the consumer's imagination.

From the retailers' point of view, they are saddled with the extra workassociated with providing samples, and receiving the returned samples.Many times, the samples are provided in the form of sales, which thenrequire credit upon returns. In many instances, the retailer is oftenrequired to ship the samples to the prospective consumers, creating moreof a burden. Additionally, carrying extra product to be able to providesamples can be problematic. While it is known to print patterns for someconstruction products on large rolls of materials for creating laminatefurniture or floors in the decor paper/foil industry, these large rollsof materials were provided to manufacturers of the finished consumerproducts (e.g., furniture manufacturers) to develop and assemble thefinal product. The large rolls of material are not for use by the endconsumer. Nor are they provided in a form to the manufacturer that couldbe used by consumers, as is the case with the present invention. Nor arethey provided in a form (e.g., a kit or a consumer-selected custom kit)for permitting end consumers to determine what would look best in theirnew home or renovation project.

Accordingly, there is a need is for a new type of pre-constructionproduct samples that will allow the consumer to better visualize the endresult of a new home construction or remodeling project. Preferably,that new pre-construction product sample is of a low cost and can beeasily carried by the consumer. This pre-construction product samplewill allow a consumer to feel more secure with his or her decisions,while not spending a lot of money and wasting a lot of time in theprocess.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a pre-construction product sample made of aflexible material and having a product image corresponding to an actualconstruction product. The pre-construction sample is preferably at least18 inches in one dimension. The construction sample is preferablyproduced by a printing process having at least 200 dpi, and preferably300 dpi. The pre-construction product sample can be grouped with othersamples to form a kit. The pre-construction sample may replicatewood-flooring, cabinets, countertops, decking, windows, shingles, amongother construction products.

The present invention is also a kit of pre-construction product samplesthat are preferably made of a flexible material and have a product imagecorresponding to an actual construction product. The kit includessamples having different characteristics that correspond to differentcharacteristics in the actual construction products.

The present invention also relates to the use of the kits ofpre-construction samples and individual construction samples permittinga consumer to make easy selections based on a visualization of theconstruction sample, which usually occurs in the consumer's home.

The present invention further relates a kit of pre-constructionwood-flooring samples, comprising a plurality of pre-constructionwood-flooring samples. Each of the pre-construction wood-flooringsamples is made of a flexible material and has a wood-flooring imagereplicating a wood floor. The kit includes pre-constructionwood-flooring samples that have different characteristics. Thewood-flooring image includes multiple wood planks having widthdimensions that substantially correspond to dimensions of wood planks.

The invention also relates to a method of assisting a consumer with aselection of a wood floor, comprising providing a plurality ofpre-construction wood-flooring samples that have images of wood-flooringproducts. Each of the pre-construction wood-flooring samples has atleast a length or width dimension greater than 18 inches. A firstpre-construction wood-flooring sample of the plurality ofpre-construction wood-flooring samples has at least one differentcharacteristic than a second pre-construction wood-flooring sample. Themethod includes laying the first pre-construction wood-flooring sampleof the plurality of pre-construction wood-flooring samples over anexisting flooring, and after the laying of the first pre-constructionwood-flooring sample, comparing the first pre-construction wood-flooringsample with at least one existing structure in the vicinity of the firstpre-construction wood-flooring sample. The method further includeslaying a second pre-construction wood-flooring sample of the pluralityof pre-construction wood-flooring samples over the existing flooring,and after the laying of the second pre-construction wood-flooringsample, comparing the second pre-construction wood-flooring sample withthe at least one existing structure in the vicinity of the secondpre-construction wood-flooring sample. While this method has beendiscussed relative to pre-construction wood-flooring samples, similarmethods are applicable to other types of samples (e.g., countertopsamples, cabinet samples, decking samples, window samples, etc.)

The present invention can also be described as a pre-constructionwood-flooring sample for use by a consumer, comprising a substratematerial having a size of at least 18 inches in width and in length. Thesubstrate material includes a wood-flooring image that substantiallyreplicates a wood-flooring product. The wood-flooring image is printedon the substrate material by a printing process having at least 200 dpi.And, the sample is moveable by a consumer when placed on a consumer'sexisting floor for contrasting the wood-flooring product relative toexisting structures adjacent to the consumer's existing floor (e.g.,cabinets, walls, furniture etc).

The present invention also includes a kit of pre-construction samplesfor replicating a plurality of different construction products,comprising a plurality of pre-construction samples that are made ofpaper. Each of the pre-construction samples has a printed image with aresolution of at least 200 dpi that replicates a corresponding one ofthe plurality of different construction products. The printed images ofthe plurality of pre-construction samples illustrate differentcharacteristics associated with the plurality of different constructionproducts. The printed images are substantially on a 1:1 scale with thecorresponding construction product. The printed image has at least alength or width dimension of at least 18 inches. The pre-constructionsamples may replicate wood-flooring, cabinets, countertops, shingles,decking, countertops, among other construction products.

The present invention also is a kit of pre-construction cabinet samples,comprising, a plurality of pre-construction cabinet samples. Each of thepre-construction cabinet samples is made of a flexible material and hasa cabinet image replicating a cabinet. The kit includes pre-constructioncabinet samples that have different characteristics. The differentcharacteristics at least includes different types of wood colors. Eachof the pre-construction cabinet samples having a width or lengthdimension of at least 18 inches.

A further aspect of the present invention is kit of pre-constructioncountertop samples comprising a plurality of pre-construction countertopsamples. Each of the pre-construction countertop samples is made of aflexible material and has a countertop image replicating a countertop.The kit includes pre-construction countertop samples having differentcharacteristics and the different characteristics at least includedifferent colors of a countertop material.

Another aspect of the present invention is a kit of pre-constructionwindow samples comprising a plurality of pre-construction windowsamples. Each of the pre-construction window samples is made of aflexible material and has a window image replicating a window. The kitincludes pre-construction window samples that have differentcharacteristics. The different characteristics at least includedifferent frames. Each of the pre-construction window samples has awidth and a length dimension of at least 18 inches.

Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of variousembodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a briefdescription of which is provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a kit of different pre-construction flooring samples;

FIG. 2 illustrates one of the pre-construction flooring samples of FIG.1 in use at a consumer's home;

FIG. 3 illustrates the kit of pre-construction flooring samples providedin a package;

FIG. 4 illustrates a kit of different pre-construction cabinet samples;

FIG. 5 illustrates one of the pre-construction cabinet samples of FIG. 4in use at a consumer's home;

FIG. 6 illustrates a kit of different pre-construction countertopsamples;

FIG. 7 illustrates one of the pre-construction countertop samples ofFIG. 6 in use at a consumer's home;

FIG. 8 illustrates one of the pre-construction countertop samples ofFIG. 6, one of the pre-construction cabinet samples of FIG. 4, and oneof the pre-construction flooring samples of FIG. 1 in use in combinationat a consumer's home;

FIG. 9 illustrates a computer display screen in which multiple types ofpre-construction samples are available for selection by the consumer;

FIG. 10 illustrates a kit comprised of different pre-constructioncountertop samples, different pre-construction flooring samples, anddifferent pre-construction cabinet samples.

FIG. 11 illustrates a kit of different pre-construction window samples;

FIG. 12 illustrates a pre-construction window sample with a differentshape;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate pre-construction window samples printed onboth sides of the same piece of flexible material;

FIG. 14 illustrates one of the pre-construction window samples of FIG.11 in use at a consumer's home;

FIG. 15 illustrates a kit of different pre-construction decking samples;

FIG. 16 illustrates one of the pre-construction decking samples of FIG.15 in use at a consumer's home;

FIG. 17 illustrates a kit of different pre-construction roofing samples;and

FIG. 18 illustrates multiple kits of different pre-constructionappliance samples in use in a consumer's kitchen, and also a foldedpre-construction cabinet sample.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a kit 10 of five pre-construction wood-flooringsamples 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d, and 15 e. The pre-constructionwood-flooring samples 15 are preferably a large scale print having asize greater than roughly 18 inches in length and roughly 18 inches inwidth. These samples 15 are “pre-construction” in the sense that theywill assist consumers with the product-selection process before theconstruction project is completed, as discussed below in more detail.For example, in one preferred embodiment, each of the pre-constructionwood-flooring samples 15 has a size of about 24 inches by 37 inches(i.e., about 2 feet by 3 feet). The pre-construction wood-flooringsamples 15 are made from a high-quality printing process (e.g., at least200 dpi and preferably at least 300 dpi) based on a high-quality imageof a wood floor. For example, the pre-construction wood-flooring samples15 can be produced on a LS640 Komori commercial offset printing press.The pre-construction wood-flooring samples 15 may be printed on 80 lbgloss text paper, which makes each of the pre-construction samples 15very lightweight.

The image on the pre-construction wood-flooring samples 15 is sized suchthat the planks on each sample 15 are of a size that is substantiallythe same as the size of the actual wood planks that a consumer wouldpurchase (e.g. 2.5 inch planks). Commonly known wood floors have plankssizes of 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 5.25inches, and up to 7 inches. In other words, the pre-constructionwood-flooring samples 15 are preferably of a scale that is substantiallya 1:1 scale with the actual wood floor that the consumer would purchase.To produce the pre-construction sample 15, multiple photographs (or ahigh-resolution larger, single photo) may be taken of the wood-flooringproduct that are merged together via software (e.g., Photoshop®) toproduce a final image of 7200 pixels by 10,320 pixels, which permits a300 dpi outputted print for the pre-construction wood-flooring sample 15having a size of 24 inches by 37 inches. For example, thepre-construction sample can be shot with a high-resolution camera thatis used in the advertising industry (e.g., a Phase One P45 Camera with30 MP sensor or a Hasselblad H4D series camera) When a pre-constructionwood-flooring sample 15 is made from an image of this high resolution,the pre-construction wood-flooring sample 15 very closely replicates anactual wood floor, such that when it is placed over an existing floor,most consumers would have the perception that it is an actual woodfloor.

Each of the pre-construction wood-flooring samples 15 is different fromthe other samples 15 by some characteristic associated with woodflooring. For example, the difference between the wood-flooring samples15 may relate to the tone of the wood in terms of it being alight-colored wood, a medium-colored wood, or a dark-colored wood.Alternatively, the difference between the pre-construction wood-flooringsamples 15 may relate to the type of wood (e.g. oak, pine, or bamboo)and/or the surface texture of the wood (e.g., normal or distressedwood). In a further alternative, the difference between thepre-construction wood-flooring samples 15 may relate to the size of theplanks on each pre-construction wood-flooring sample 15. Accordingly,the kit 10 can be comprised of multiple pre-construction wood-flooringsamples 15 that cover a wide range of wood floor characteristics.

Also, to help match the reflectivity of the actual product, thepre-construction wood-flooring samples 15 may be manufactured fromglossy paper having different coatings (e.g. aqueous coatings, UVcoatings, varnishes, laminates, etc.) to dull the image and make it lessreflective to natural light. Full aqueous coatings or full varnishes maydull the overall image to make its appearance closer to the actualproduct. Or, a spot coating of varnish on selected small areas of thepre-construction wood-flooring sample 15 may help to better replicatethe light-reflective properties of the actual flooring product.

Each pre-construction wood-flooring sample 15 may include a labelsection 16 (about 2 inches in width) that permits the placement ofinformation about the type and characteristics of the pre-constructionsample (e.g. the wood floor of a specific manufacturer to which thesample 15 corresponds). The label section 15 has an area that issubstantially smaller than the product image (e.g., the label section 16occupies less than 10% of the overall area) on the pre-constructionwood-flooring sample 15 because it is the large size of the productimage that permits the consumer to visualize the actual product. Asdiscussed below, the consumer may order the kit 10 via the internet. Ifso, local retail outlets that carry the wood floor of that specificmanufacturer may be placed on the label section 16 based on the shippingaddress of the consumer. The label 16 may also contain aclose-wood-sample section 17 which provides the names and images ofdifferent wood-flooring samples 15 that are similar, in some regard, tothe characteristics to that particular sample 15 (which may or may notbe a part of the kit 10).

FIG. 2 illustrates the first pre-construction wood-flooring sample 15 aplaced on the consumer's existing tile or vinyl floor 18 adjacent to anexisting cabinet 19. As can be seen, the pre-construction wood-flooringsample 15 a has dimensions that are larger than the width of the cabinetdoor. In use, the consumer would repetitively place each of thedifferent pre-construction wood-flooring samples 15 at generally thesame location on the existing floor 18 to evaluate how well each sample15 looks relative to the existing cabinet 19. The consumer may alsoelect to tape each wood-flooring sample 15 to the existing floor 18 oralign the samples 15 adjacent to each other to determine which one looksbest in a side-by-side comparison. By using the various pre-constructionwood-flooring samples 15 within the kit 10, the consumer can make a wellinformed decision of a wood floor that is best suited for thatconsumer's particular situation.

In one preferred embodiment, each of the pre-construction wood-flooringsamples 15 corresponds to a particular known wood floor product that ismade by a manufacturer (or manufacturers) and is labeled accordingly.This permits a one-to-one correlation between the particularpre-construction wood-flooring sample 15 and the corresponding woodfloor product. Alternatively, each of the pre-construction wood-floorsamples 15 may correspond to several similar wood floor products thatare made by one or more manufacturers. Consequently, once the consumerhas made a selection of a particular pre-construction wood-flooringsample 15, he or she can then purchase the corresponding wood floorproduct, or a wood floor product similar to the desired pre-constructionwood-flooring sample 15. Taking the samples 15 to a flooring store topick wood having the exact or similar characteristics is very easy.

FIG. 3 illustrates the kit 10 of FIG. 1 placed in a tubular package 25for shipment and delivery purposes. Each of the pre-constructionwood-flooring samples 15 is rolled such that the wood-flooring image ison the outward side of the roll. Thus, when the consumer opens thepackage 25 and removes the pre-construction samples 15, each of thepre-construction samples 15, if it has any bending due to being rolled,will bend downwardly toward the consumers existing floor. Other types ofpre-construction product samples can be similarly packaged.

FIG. 4 illustrates a kit 40 of different pre-construction cabinetsamples 45. Each of the different pre-construction cabinet samples 45within the kit 40 has at least one different characteristic than theremaining cabinet samples 45 to permit a consumer to visualize differenttypes of cabinets. For example, the different characteristics of thecabinet samples 45 may relate to the type of wood, the tone of the wood,the style of the cabinet (e.g., the shape of the inset 47 show in sample45 a), and/or the hardware (handles and hinges) used with the cabinet.While the label section 48 is shown at the bottom, it could also belocated at the side as well.

The pre-construction cabinet samples 45 are preferably a large scaleprint having a size greater than typical cabinet sizes (greater than 18inches). The cabinet samples 45 are printed from a high qualityphotograph, which has been sized such that the cabinet doors on thepre-construction cabinet sample 45 are roughly the same size as thecabinet doors in an actual cabinet product. In other words, thepre-construction cabinet samples 45 are preferably of a scale that issubstantially a 1:1 scale with the actual cabinet doors that theconsumer would purchase with the cabinetry. As such, in one preferredembodiment, each of the pre-construction cabinet samples 45 has a sizedimension of at least roughly 2 feet (or larger) in one direction toprovide for an appropriately sized cabinet image. For example, thepre-construction cabinet sample 45 may include an image of the cabinetdoor that is roughly 24-30 inches (e.g. 25 inches) in height forlocating it over existing cabinetry under a kitchen sink or bathroomsink.

Alternatively, the pre-construction cabinet sample 45 may include animage of a drawer (e.g. 5 inch drawer) and an image of a cabinet (e.g.22 inch cabinet), which is located directly below the drawer image, aswould be seen in most typical kitchens. Such a pre-construction cabinetsample 45 may include a dashed line (or other indicia) adjacent itsupper end indicating where the pre-construction cabinet sample 45 can befolded to fit into the top of the existing drawer in the consumer's home(e.g., see pre-construction cabinet sample 230 in FIG. 18). In thissituation, the label section 48 can be on the portion of theconstruction cabinet sample 45 above the dashed line such that the labelsection 48 is the part that is folded into the existing drawer when thepre-construction cabinet sample 45 is draped over the consumer'sexisting cabinets. In addition or in the alternative to the dashed linesfor the fold, the pre-construction cabinet sample 45 may includecut-lines to show the consumer the location of two cuts that can be madeon either side of the pre-construction cabinet sample 45. Cutting slitsalong the cut-lines helps the folded section fit within the consumer'sexisting drawer such that the drawer can be closed easily to helpsupport the pre-construction cabinet sample 45 as the consumer evaluatesthe sample. In other words, the slits help to create a secondary foldwithin the folded section, making that portion of the pre-constructioncabinet sample 45 smaller in area such that it fits into the drawer. Thecut-lines may be in the vertical or horizontal direction, as long asthey permit the secondary fold to decrease the overall area of thefolded section of the pre-construction cabinet sample 45 within thedrawer. Alternatively, perforations can be used instead of cut-lines sothat the consumer can simply tear the pre-construction cabinet sample 45to the correct length for folding.

Alternatively, the pre-construction cabinet samples 45 may include awall-mounted, above-the-counter cabinet having a height of 42 inches. Itshould be noted that the label section 48 for each cabinet sample 45,which is shown in FIG. 4 at the bottom, can be located on the side (asmentioned above) or not included at all.

Also, to help match the reflectivity of the actual cabinet product, thepre-construction cabinet samples 45 may be manufactured from glossypaper having different coatings (e.g. aqueous coatings, UV coatings,varnishes, laminates, etc.) to dull the image and make it lessreflective to natural light. Full aqueous coatings or full varnishes maydull the overall image to make its appearance closer to the actualproduct. Or, a spot coating of varnish on selected small areas of thepre-construction sample 45 may help to better replicate thelight-reflective properties of the actual product.

FIG. 5 illustrates the use of a pre-construction cabinet sample 45 inFIG. 4 in the consumer's home. Specifically, the consumer has placed thepre-construction cabinet sample 45 a over an existing cabinet surface54. Because the pre-construction cabinet sample 45 a is on ahigh-quality image, the consumer is provided with a very closereplication of how an actual cabinet corresponding to thepre-construction sample 45 a would look relative to the existing floor52, the existing countertop 56, and the existing wall 58. In summary, byusing the various cabinet samples 45 within the kit 40, the consumer isable to visualize how various actual cabinets will look relative toexisting structures within the consumer's home. Accordingly, theconsumer has an easier time making a decision for the best cabinetproduct that will suit his or her particular needs.

FIG. 6 illustrates a kit 60 of different pre-construction countertopsamples 65 (e.g., laminate or granite). Each of the differentpre-construction countertop samples 65 within the kit 60 has at leastone different characteristic than the remaining pre-construction cabinetsamples 65 to permit a consumer to visualize different types ofcountertops. For example, the different characteristics of thecountertop samples 65 may relate to the type of countertop (e.g.,man-made stone, natural stone, granite, laminate), the design of thepatterns or irregularities in theses types of countertops, and thecolors in these types of countertops.

The pre-construction countertop samples 65 are preferably a large-scaleprint having a size that is at least approximately the same depth as anormal countertop (e.g. 26 inches). The pre-construction countertopsamples 65 are printed from a high-quality image, which has been sizedsuch that various patterns or irregularities within the surface of theactual countertop are approximately the same size as the patterns orirregularities along the pre-construction countertop sample 65. In otherwords, the pre-construction countertop samples 65 are preferably of ascale that is substantially a 1:1 scale with the patterns orirregularities of the actual countertop that the consumer wouldpurchase. Accordingly, when the pre-construction countertop samples 65is fit over the consumer's existing countertop, it appears to theconsumer as though his or her existing countertop has been modified tothe material and appearance corresponding to the pre-constructioncountertop sample 65.

Regarding man-made countertops (e.g. Silestone, and other similarproducts), there is oftentimes a fairly consistent pattern in theirregularities of the countertop. Thus, using a single photograph of theman-made countertops and repeating the image can be enough to create apre-construction man-made countertop sample 65 in which the size of theirregularities (e.g., quartz) and scale of the irregularities aresubstantially the same as the actual product. On the other hand,developing a pre-construction natural stone countertop sample 65 (e.g.,replicating granite) can be a bit more challenging as the size of theirregularities and the patterns are unique. In such situations, it maybe required to take multiple photographs of a single piece of stone(e.g. granite) and merge them together (e.g. via Photoshop) to form thepre-construction natural stone countertop sample 65. Although each pieceof granite is slightly different, the pre-construction natural stonecountertop samples 65 are still able to provide the consumer with enoughconfidence that the type of corresponding to the pre-constructionnatural stone countertop sample 65 (or kit thereof) will be acceptablein the consumer's home. Furthermore, to help match the reflectivity ofthe actual product, the pre-construction countertop samples may bemanufactured from glossy paper having different coatings (e.g. aqueouscoatings, UV coatings, varnishes, laminates, etc.) to dull the productand make it less reflective to natural light. Full aqueous coatings orfull varnishes may dull the overall image to make its appearance closerto the actual product. Or, a spot coating of varnish on selected smallareas of the pre-construction countertop sample 65 may help to betterreplicate the light-reflective properties of the actual countertop. Onthe other hand, dull papers can be the medium on which it is printed,and coatings may be added to make a glossier finish to thepre-construction natural countertop sample 65

FIG. 7 illustrates the use of the pre-construction countertop sample 65a in the consumer's home. Specifically, the consumer has placed thepre-construction countertop sample 65 a over the existing countertop 56.Because the pre-construction countertop sample 65 a is of a high-qualityimage, the consumer is provided with a very close replication of how anactual countertop corresponding to the pre-construction sample 65 awould look relative to the existing floor 52, the existing cabinet 54,and the existing wall 58. In summary, by using the variouspre-construction countertop samples 65 within the kit 60, the consumeris able to visualize how various actual countertops will look relativeto existing structures within the consumer's home. Accordingly, theconsumer has an easier time making a decision for the best countertopproduct that will suit his or her particular needs.

FIG. 8 illustrates the use of the combination of the pre-constructionwood floor sample 15 a from the kit 10, the pre-construction cabinetsample 65 a of the kit 40, and the pre-construction countertop sample 65b of the kit 60. In other words, FIG. 8 is illustrating the consumer'sability to use multiple types of pre-construction samples 15, 45, and/or65 to determine what will look best in the consumer's home. As such, thepresent invention contemplates the use of multiple kits 10, 40, 60 incombination with each other. Alternatively, the present inventioncontemplates the use of a single kit which contains samples of multiplepre-construction product samples (e.g., samples of flooring, cabinets,and/or countertops) and multiple selections within each pre-constructionproduct sample type.

Furthermore, as discussed in more detail below, the present inventionalso contemplates the use of a custom kit, the contents of which havebeen selected by a consumer. In other words, the consumer may selectspecific pre-construction samples of flooring, specific pre-constructionsamples of countertops, and/or specific pre-construction samples ofcabinets which then form a single kit the permits the consumer to make afinal selection of construction products to best suit his or her needsof that particular consumer. Or, the custom kit may simply containmultiple specific pre-construction samples of a single constructionproduct (e.g., the kit contains four samples of differentpre-construction wood flooring). The consumer can create such a customkit by accessing a certain website for purchasing the custom kit to bedelivered to the consumer (as discussed in more detail below). Or, theconsumer can create such a custom kit by selecting from among variouspre-construction samples that are present at a retail outlet (e.g.,selection from among multiple bins of different pre-constructionwood-flooring samples 15 at a flooring store, a hardware store, or aconstruction store).

FIG. 9 illustrates a computer display 110 that can be used by theconsumer (e.g. the consumer's personal computer) to develop a custom kitof pre-construction samples. Alternatively, the computer can be locatedat a retail store that sells construction products (e.g., flooring,cabinets, and countertops) which permits the consumer to develop acustom kit of pre-construction samples at the retail location after theconsumer understands the variety of construction products available tohim or her.

The computer display 110 has access to a certain publicly accessiblewebsite, which has a web page (or web pages) 112 that provides for avariety of different pre-construction product samples. Typically, eachof those different types of pre-construction product samples would bearranged together for viewing and selection by the consumer. As shown,the web page 112 on the website has three sections for displayingoptions for three different pre-construction product samples—flooring,cabinets, and countertops. The consumer is able to select any of theicons 115 a-115 j under the flooring section and view a larger scaleversion of a certain type of flooring sample. For example, the icons 115a-115 e correspond to the pre-construction wood-flooring samples 15 a-15e, which are shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the consumer is able to create acustom kit comprised of multiple pre-construction wood-flooring samples15 corresponding to the selected icons 115 a-115 j.

The consumer is also able to select any of the icons 145 a-145 j underthe cabinet section and view a larger scale version of a certain type ofcabinet sample. For example, the icons 145 a-145 e correspond topre-construction cabinet samples 45 a-45 e, which are shown in FIG. 4.The consumer is able to create a custom kit comprised of multiplepre-construction cabinet samples 45 corresponding to the selected icons145 a-145 j. The computer display 110 and icons of FIG. 9 can also beadapted for use with various types of pre-construction samples,including those discussed below with reference to FIGS. 11-18.

Similarly, the consumer is able to select any of the icons 165 a-165 junder the countertop section and view a larger scale version of acertain type of countertop sample. For example, the icons 165 a-165 ecorrespond to pre-construction cabinet samples 65 a-65 e, which areshown in FIG. 6. Thus, the consumer is able to create a custom kitcomprised of multiple pre-construction countertop samples 65corresponding to the selected icons 165 a-165 j.

After the person has made his or her selection (which may require apurchase of the pre-construction samples), the custom kit ofpre-construction wood-flooring samples 15, pre-construction cabinetsamples 45, and/or pre-construction countertop samples 65 that wasdeveloped by the consumer would be delivered to the consumer for use inhis or her home, as described above. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates acustom kit 120 that includes two pre-construction flooring samples 15 aand 15 e, a single pre-construction cabinet sample 45 e, and twopre-construction countertop samples 65 b and 65 e.

FIG. 11 illustrates a kit 130 of different pre-construction windowsamples 135. Each of the different pre-construction window samples 135within the kit 130 has at least one different characteristic than theremaining pre-construction window samples 135 to permit a consumer tovisualize different types of windows. For example, the differentcharacteristics of the window samples 135 may relate to the type andcolor of the window frames 142 (e.g., wood, polymeric, or metal), thedesign of the muntins 144 that define the panes 146, and/or the type ofhardware/latches in the window. The muntins 144 can be of differentstyles, such as horizontal and vertical muntins 144 that createrectangular panes, angled muntins 144 to create diamond shape panes, orno muntins at all. Preferably, each of the pre-construction windowsamples 135 includes an outdoor image 150 to provide an exemplaryoutdoor scene.

The pre-construction window samples 135 are preferably a large-scaleprint having a size that is at least approximately the same size as anormal window (e.g. at least 18 inches in both dimensions, andpreferably at least about 2 feet to 3 feet, or larger). Thepre-construction window samples 135 are printed from a high-qualityimage, which has been sized such that the frame 152, the muntins 144,and the panes 146 are approximately the same size as the actual windowbeing replicated. In other words, the pre-construction window samples135 are preferably of a scale that is substantially a 1:1 scale with theactual window that the consumer would purchase. Accordingly, when thepre-construction window sample 135 is placed on a wall (possible overthe consumer's existing window), it appears to the consumer as though awindow has been added to the wall with an appearance corresponding tothe pre-construction window sample 135.

The pre-construction window samples 135 does not need to be of arectangular shape. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a half-roundpre-construction window sample 155 that replicates an existinghalf-round window that the consumer may purchase. The pre-constructionwindow sample 155 may include lines of perforation at which the consumermay cut the sample 155, such as along the rounded frame. Other shapes,such as full-round windows and hexagonal or octagonal windows, areavailable for the window samples. It should be understood that thewindow samples can have the same shape as the shape of the window beingreplicated.

It should be noted that the pre-construction window samples 135 and 155could include perforations and/or slits along the window panes 156 toprovide for easy removal of the panes 156. Thus, the window sample 135,155 could be placed over an existing window so that the consumer gets afeel for the actual view outside of the window, as well as a feel forthe structure of the window.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a single piece of flexible material inwhich a first window sample 135 a is placed on one side and a secondwindow sample 135 b is placed on the opposite side of the same piece ofmaterial. Additionally, the second window sample 135 b includes imagesof a night scene (as opposed to a day scene) as the actual window maylook a bit different with a dark background (such as in night) than witha lighted background (such as in daytime). Other types ofpreconstruction samples can also be printed on both sides as well.

FIG. 14 illustrates the pre-construction window sample 135 placed on awall to determine who a certain window would look in the consumer'sresidence. As shown, the pre-construction window sample 135 can also beused with other pre-construction samples 15, 45, 65 to help the consumervisualize the end-result of a large scale renovation.

FIG. 15 illustrates a kit 160 of different pre-construction deckingsamples 165. Each of the different pre-construction decking samples 165within the kit 160 has at least one different characteristic than theremaining pre-construction decking samples 135 to permit a consumer tovisualize different types of decking for an exterior deck. For example,the different characteristics of the decking samples 165 may relate tothe type (e.g., wood decking, composite decking, etc) and the color ofthe decking, the plank width for the decking, the plank angle of thedecking, among others.

The image on the pre-construction decking samples 165 is sized such thatthe planks on each sample 165 are of a size that is substantially thesame as the size of the actual deck planks that a consumer wouldpurchase (e.g. 4 inch planks). In other words, the pre-constructiondecking samples 165 are preferably of a scale that is substantially a1:1 scale with the actual decking that the consumer would purchase.

FIG. 16 illustrates one of the pre-construction decking samples 165 a inuse with the consumer. The consumer has placed the pre-constructiondecking sample 165 a on the existing deck 170 adjacent to the steps 180near a sliding glass door 185. If the consumer has an entire kit 160 ofsamples 165, he or she can remove and replace the samples 165 a, 165 b,165 c, 165 d, and 165 e to determine which one is more suitable for thatconsumer's deck. Accordingly, the consumer may have an easier timechoosing the actual decking product for his or her deck.

FIG. 17 illustrates a kit 200 of different pre-construction roofingsamples 205. Each of the different pre-construction roofing samples 205a-205 e within the kit 200 has at least one different characteristicthan the other pre-construction roofing samples 205 to permit a consumerto visualize different types of shingles for his or her house. Forexample, the different characteristics of the roofing samples 205 mayrelate to the type of shingle (e.g., ceramic, tile, asphalt, metal,wood, etc), the shapes of the shingles, and the colors available for theshingles.

The image on the pre-construction roofing samples 205 is sized such thatthe shingles on each sample 205 are of a size that is substantially thesame as the size of the actual shingles a consumer would purchase. Inother words, the pre-construction roofing samples 205 are preferably ofa scale that is substantially a 1:1 scale with the actual shingles thatthe consumer would purchase.

FIG. 18 illustrates a kitchen with multiple kits 222, 224 of differentpre-construction appliance samples. Each kit 222, 224 may includevarious members of a certain type of appliance that are often groupedtogether and purchased by a consumer as one set. For example, a firstkit 222 may includes an oven sample 222 a, a refrigerator sample 222 b,and a dishwasher sample 222 c. A second kit 224 may include an ovensample 224 a, a refrigerator sample 224 b, and a dishwasher sample 224c. The kits 222, 224 may include more or less appliances. Each kit 222,224 may be different from other kits by the color of the appliances, thestyle of the appliances (e.g. side-by-side refrigerator, or top-bottomrefrigerators), or the manufacturer of the appliances. Preferably, theappliance samples are approximately the same size as the actualappliances and would fit over the consumer's existing appliances toallow the consumer to make a selection of an appliance set (e.g., blackor stainless steel) looks best in his or her kitchen.

FIG. 18 also illustrates a pre-construction cabinet sample 230 havingits header on the short end of the sample. The pre-construction cabinetsample 230 includes an image of a combination of a cabinet and a drawer,as would be present in most kitchens. As previously described, theheader has been folded and placed on the counter, and may be held therewith tape or an adhesive pre-applied to the back of the sample 230. Or,it can be folded (and possibly cut along perforations or cut-lines) andplaced in an existing drawer such that the closing of the drawer holdsthe pre-construction cabinet sample 230 in place.

Alternatively, a consumer may be shopping for only one appliance and akit may include multiple pieces of one type of appliance. For examplethe kit may include multiple refrigerators.

As can be understood, the previous types of preconstruction samples(e.g., flooring, countertops, and cabinetry) may be used together withthe appliance samples to provide even more visualization of kitchendesign options. This type of selection can be especially useful inproviding consumer's with assistance when building a new home in that akitchen model in a model home can be “redone” to different kitchenstyles by mixing and matching various appliance samples, floor samples,countertop samples, and cabinet samples. Alternatively, an actualkitchen may not be needed to remove and replace the samples. The kitchenmodel can simply be a wood or polymeric frame structure that is adaptedto receive various appliance samples, floor samples, countertop samples,and cabinet samples, as described above, to provide a visualization ofnumerous combinations of these actual products.

It should be noted that the consumer may also be able to directly printsmaller versions of each of those pre-construction samples at theconsumer's home printer to create such a custom kit. In other words,while the pre-construction samples are preferably of a large size (e.g.at least 18 inches in each dimension) and made of high resolution, theinvention contemplates the consumer's ability to print each one of theselected pre-construction samples at his or her own home. As common homeprinters are typically not configured for such large size paper(although it is surely possible for some consumers to do so), theconsumer's ability to print at home may be limited to smaller versionsof each pre-construction sample. While such sizes may not be able enoughto facilitate the easy and large-scale display of the pre-constructionsample (as shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 7, and 8), they are still larger thanmost commonly available samples. Consumer printing may be more conduciveto pre-construction samples that are not required to be a certain size,such as flooring or countertop samples in which a certain area can beprinted (i.e., it may be more difficult for consumers to print regularsized window samples, cabinet sample, or appliance samples since theymay be larger than a typical home printer).

In a further alternative, if the computer display 110 of FIG. 9 is in aretail setting, the consumer may not need to access a website to producea custom kit. Rather, the consumer can simply select from the same typeof icons 115, 145, 165 on the webpage 112 and cause images (stored in alocal memory) to be printed to a localized printer electronicallycoupled to be computer display 110. Thus, the selected pre-constructionsamples, like those shown in FIGS. 1-8, are immediately printed. Inother words, the printing process would occur locally at the retailoutlet permitting the consumer to quickly develop a custom kit. Unlikeprinting from home as described above, a retail setting may be moresuited to have a large-scale printer to print the large pre-constructionsamples.

It is also possible to permit the consumer to select the samples to beprinted from his or her home (via the website) and print them to a localretailer (e.g. a flooring store having a high-resolution printer). Thus,the samples can be immediately picked up by the consumer. This wouldavoid the delivery from a remote printing location associated with thewebsite owner. In summary, there are various ways to produce a customkit of large-scale, pre-construction samples in accordance to thepresent invention. The consumer can create his or her own custom kit byselecting from bins at a retail setting that contains numerous differentpre-construction samples. The consumer can also create a custom kit byselecting from among various pre-construction samples from a website andhaving them delivered. In another alternative, the consumer can create acustom kit by selecting from among various pre-construction samples froma website and having them printed at a local outlet at which he or shecan pick them up (or even printed to their own printer as describedabove). In yet a further alternative, the consumer can create a customkit by selecting from among various pre-construction samples from aretail computer and having them printed locally via a printer at thatsame retail location.

Also, the webpage 112 of FIG. 9 may also include standard kits ofconstruction products that are fairly commonly used (e.g., a kit oflight wood floor samples, a kit of medium wood floor samples, and a kitof dark wood floor samples). Thus, rather the creating a custom kit, theconsumer may select from one or more standard kits of various types ofconstruction productions on the webpage 112. Also, it should be notedthat, although the kits herein have been illustrated with fivepre-construction product samples, all the standard and custom kits canhave more or less than five pre-construction product samples.

It should be noted that while the construction products of flooring,cabinets, countertops, decks, windows, shingles, and appliances havebeen shown for purposes of illustration, other types of constructionproducts are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, wallpaper, large-scale painted walls, brick, andstone surfaces (e.g. backsplashes) can be replicated as well.

Regarding paints, as is known, paint companies commonly supply smallsample cards (e.g. a 2 inch by 2 inch color sample with 3 color samplesper card). Yet, placing them against a wall provides very littleopportunity for the consumer to visualize how that color will look in aroom, especially when considering how light (direct and reflected light)affects the appearance of the color. Oftentimes, consumers simplypurchase a few one-quart containers of alternative paints and paint afew square feet of a wall to see how it looks. Considering thehigh-quality resolution of the pre-construction samples described above,the use of a kit of large-scale, pre-construction paint samples wouldavoid the need to purchase these one-quart samples as well as theassociated painting work that is required. Furthermore, the variouslarge-scale, pre-construction paint samples can be hung at variouslocations on the wall (not just one location where a consumer typicallypaints a few square feet) to see how it looks against existing woodtrim, curtains, cabinets, furniture, etc. within the room. It should benoted that the present invention contemplates that the pre-constructionpaint samples may be manufactured from glossy paper having differentcoatings (e.g. aqueous coatings, UV coatings, varnishes, laminates,etc.) to better replicate the type of paint finish, such as semi-gloss,gloss, eggshell, satin, etc. Hence, the present invention alsocontemplates the use of kits of pre-construction paint samples that helpthe consumer to determine the type of finish that he or she wouldprefer. Regarding carpets, the present invention contemplates the use ofpre-construction carpet samples that are usable by the consumer. Inaddition to color, the variations in carpets are created bycharacteristics such as the type of loops (e.g., half loops and fullloops) and the height of the loops. Pre-construction carpet samples haveimages of carpets in which the texture characteristics are substantiallyscaled on a one-to-one basis with the texture characteristics of theactual carpet. Hence, when laid over the consumer's existing floor, thepre-construction product sample very closely replicates the actualcarpet.

Furthermore, while the present invention has focused on a certainstandard size of sample, multiple sizes of the samples are contemplatedas well. For example, a consumer may determine that he or she desires avery large, pre-construction countertop sample 65, one that would coverthe length of an entire countertop (e.g., 10 feet long). Likewise, theconsumer may also determine that he or she desires a very large,pre-construction cabinet sample 45 of a similar length, one thatprovides images of multiple cabinets. The consumer may even select whatstyle and hinge orientation of each cabinet within the pre-constructioncabinet sample 45. Once the consumer has these two samples in hand, theycan be laid over a large portion of the consumer's existing kitchencountertop and existing cabinets to provide a very realistic,large-scale visualization of what the final product would look like ifthe consumer chose to move forward with the actual cabinets andcountertops corresponding to the pre-construction cabinet sample 45 andpre-construction countertop sample 65, respectively. Considering thecosts associated with such cabinets and countertops are often severalthousand dollars, the consumer's use of low cost samples helps toguarantee that the results achieved will meet the consumer'sexpectations. In the situation in which the consumer desires thelarger-than-normal pre-construction samples, the consumer wouldtypically be charged on a per-linear-foot or per-square foot basis forthe size of the sheet that he or she desires. While the preconstructionsamples of FIGS. 1-18 would provide assistance with marketing thevarious home options in a display home in a new neighborhood, these verylarge pre-construction samples would allow the kitchens and bathroomareas to be dramatically altered to assist with consumer selection.

It should also be noted that the pre-construction product samplesdescribed above can be laminated to provide protection so that they canbe repeatedly used without much damage to the surface containing theimages of the construction product. Furthermore, it is possible to placethe product samples in a larger booklet for transportation and storage.

It should also be noted that the present invention contemplates themethod of making the pre-construction product samples. The method wouldinclude acquiring the image (e.g., via photograph or photographs) of theconstruction product and manipulating the image to provide a version ofthe image in which the product's characteristics within the image are ofsubstantially the same scale as the characteristics of the actualproduct when printed on a large scale substrate having dimensionsgreater than 18 inches in length and/or width. Once the image has beenso manipulated, it can then be printed on the substrate (e.g., 80 lbgloss paper) at a resolution of at least 200 dpi and preferably, atleast 300 dpi.

Furthermore, the present invention provides an additional manufacturingbenefit by placing a single image on one sheet of flexible material.Oftentimes, the manipulation of the image involves color matching theimage to the actual product (e.g. matched to the stain of a certainwood, or matched to the color of a certain countertop). By placing asingle image on a one piece of flexible materials (or one side if bothsides are used), the color matching process is much easier. If more thanone image were printed on the flexible material, then changing the colorof a first image can affect the color of the second image. In short, ifmore than one image were printed on the flexible material, it is hard tobalance the color matching process of both images.

Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplatedas falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, whichis set forth in the following claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of assisting a consumer with a selectionof a wood-flooring product, comprising: allowing the consumer to accessat least one web page, the at least one web page including a pluralityof icons corresponding to a plurality of wood-flooring samples, each ofthe wood-flooring samples being made of a flexible material and having asubstantially flat primary surface that includes a wood-flooring imagereplicating a wood-flooring product, the primary surface having a widthand a length, at least one of the length and the width of eachwood-flooring sample being at least 18 inches, the wood-flooring imagefor each wood-flooring sample being an image of only a single wood-floorproduct and having multiple wood plank images with width dimensions thatsubstantially correspond to width dimensions of wood planks of thewood-flooring product being replicated, the wood-flooring products beingreplicated by the plurality of wood-flooring samples having differentcharacteristics; based on the interaction of the consumer with the atleast one webpage, receiving selections of at least one of the pluralityof wood-flooring samples; rolling the at least one selectedwood-flooring sample into a generally cylindrical shape such that theprimary surface containing the wood-flooring image is facing outwardly;and while in the generally cylindrical shape, placing the at least oneselected wood-flooring sample into a tubular package for transportationto the consumer.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least oneweb page includes a plurality of icons corresponding to a plurality ofcountertop samples associated with a plurality of different countertopproducts, and further including: receiving, from the consumer,selections of at least one of the plurality of countertop samples;rolling the at least one selected countertop sample into a generallycylindrical shape such that the primary surface containing a countertopimage is facing outwardly; and while in the generally cylindrical shape,placing the at least one selected countertop sample into the tubularpackage for transportation to the consumer.
 23. The method of claim 21,further including, acquiring photographic images of the wood-flooringproducts and manipulating the photographic images to provide thewood-flooring images having characteristics that are of substantiallythe same scale as the characteristics of the actual wood-flooringproduct when printed on the flexible material.
 24. The method of claim23, wherein the wood-flooring images are printed onto the flexiblematerial at a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
 25. The method of claim24, further including manipulation of the photographic image to providecolor matching such that the wood-flooring image better matches a stainof the actual wood-flooring product.
 26. The method of claim 21, whereineach of the wood-flooring samples includes a coating over thewood-flooring image so that the wood-flooring sample better matches thereflectivity of the corresponding wood-flooring product than theflexible material on which the wood-flooring image has been printed. 27.The method of claim 26, wherein the flexible material is paper and thecoating increases the glossiness of the wood-flooring sample to bettermatch the reflectivity of the corresponding wood-flooring product. 28.The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one selected wood-flooringsample includes first and second wood-flooring samples, and furtherincluding the following acts by the consumer: unrolling the first andsecond wood-flooring samples after removal from the tubular package;laying the first wood-flooring sample over an existing floor; after thelaying of the first wood-flooring sample, comparing the firstwood-flooring sample with at least one structure adjacent to theexisting floor; laying the second wood-flooring sample over the existingfloor; and after the laying of the second wood-flooring sample,comparing the second wood-flooring sample with the at least onestructure adjacent to the existing floor.
 29. The method of claim 21,wherein each of the wood-flooring samples has a surface opposing theprimary surface, and wherein the opposing surface of each of thewood-flooring samples includes an additional wood-flooring image suchthat each of the wood-flooring samples includes wood-flooring images onboth sides.
 30. A kit of wood-flooring samples to assist a user withselecting among wood-flooring products with different stain colors,comprising: a plurality of wood-flooring samples, each of thewood-flooring samples being made of a flexible material and having aprimary surface that includes a wood-flooring image replicating awood-floor product, the wood-flooring products including wood-flooringproducts having different stain colors, the primary surface having awidth and a length and being substantially flat across the wood-flooringimage, at least one of the length and the width of each wood-flooringsample being at least 18 inches, the wood-flooring image being an imageof only a single wood-floor product and including multiple wood plankshaving width dimensions that are substantially on a 1:1 scale withcorresponding width dimensions of wood planks of the wood-floor productbeing replicated, each of the wood-flooring samples includes a coatingover the wood-flooring image so that the wood-flooring sample bettermatches the reflectivity of the corresponding wood-flooring product thanthe flexible material on which the wood-flooring image has been printed;wherein a user can independently place each of the wood-flooring sampleson an existing wood floor in a manner that permits the different staincolors to be visualized by the user.
 31. The kit of wood-flooringsamples of claim 30, wherein the wood-flooring products includewood-flooring products having different types of wood such that theplurality of wood-flooring samples include wood-flooring samples ofdifferent types of wood.
 32. The kit of wood-flooring samples of claim30, wherein each of the wood-flooring samples has a surface opposing theprimary surface, and wherein the opposing surface of each of thewood-flooring samples includes an additional wood-flooring image suchthat each of the wood-flooring samples includes wood-flooring images onboth sides.
 33. The kit of wood-flooring samples of claim 30, whereinboth the length and width dimensions are at least 24 inches.
 34. The kitof wood-flooring samples of claim 30, wherein a width dimension of eachof the wood planks of the wood-flooring image is in the range from 2.25inches to 7 inches.
 35. The kit of wood-flooring samples of claim 30,wherein each of the wood-flooring images on the flexible materials areproduced by a printing process having at least 300 dpi.
 36. The kit ofwood-flooring samples of claim 30, wherein the kit is a custom kitproduced through a consumer's selection of wood-flooring samples viainteraction on a website.
 37. The kit of wood-flooring samples of claim30, wherein the kit is a custom kit produced through a consumer'sselection of pre-construction samples at a retail outlet.
 38. The kit ofwood-flooring samples of claim 30, further including a tubular containerfor transporting the kit, and wherein each of the wood-flooring samplesare rolled so as to fit in the tubular container, the wood-flooringimages on the wood-flooring samples facing outwardly.